Page 6 - March newsletter 2023

Coloring activities are known to:
 Improves mood
 Relieves stress
 Reduces agitation
 Promotes socialization and reminiscing
 Provides an outlet for self-expression
 Helps to maintain motor function
 Improves dexterity (grip control)
 Improves hand-eye coordination
 Encourages cooperation
 Promotes mindfulness (full attention & concentration re-
quired)
Provides a sense of accomplishment

Promoting Creativity

Everybody has what it takes to be creative. Some people are shy
and find it difficult to allow themselves to be creative because
their expectations are too high. They presume that art has to fit
a mould rather than surrendering to their mind and mood.
Coloring participants to suspend judgment and enjoy experi-
menting with colors.

You will find that once participants engage in coloring, a contem-
plative mood sets in over the group and silence ensues. The con-
centration required for the repetitive motion (up-down and back
-forth) promotes a calm and reflective atmosphere.

Consider inviting children along Minister of Coloring, John Bates
creating yet another masterpiece
Remember that coloring is an excellent ‘Inter-generational Activ-
ity’. Coloring with children can be inspiring. Residents who may
not color a picture on their own may be willing to color with How to get started in coloring at Amber Lights.
their grandchildren or visiting school children. Sharing of this
Management has made available, free, a starting pencil set.
activity will promote conversations and the exchange of
thoughts will provide relaxation and enjoyment. John G. prints out and supplies coloring sheets available in the
clubhouse in the rack behind the computer screen. Help Your-

self. This will get you started. We were holding a monthly color-
Planning a Coloring Session ing contest but this changed as of February 1. We are now just
posting the best of each participant’s work in the clubhouse and
Encourage and praise each other. Coloring is a form of self- in the newsletter.
expression; there is no ‘right’ way to color. Each color chosen
has a meaning (even if participants cannot put it in words) that Resident John Bates is in the clubhouse nightly and he will see to
subtly affects the body, mind and emotions of participants. it you have what you need and help you get started.
There is always hot coffee, hot chocolate and occasionally snacks
Run a regular Coloring session for your enjoyment and of course...new friends and conversa-
tion. Join us. If you have questions, call John G at 209-543-4261
Start a regular coloring-in session and make it a weekly or fort-
nightly event. Generally, there is several people coloring in the If you choose to frame you work… Amazon has
clubhouse at around 6:30 to 8:30. cheap Frames

Coloring for Seniors living with Alzheimer’s Disease

Coloring sessions are especially suited for people living with de-
mentia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Finding activities for them can be
very challenging; the illness progresses at a different pace for
each individual and it can be difficult to ascertain what memo-
ries they have retained from their past.